since i was denied by the alj and my attorney dropped me. I was advised by an online attorney to change doctors since my psychiatrist was not for me as i thought. here is my question, I am going to file a NEW claim on my own, has anyone went this route?I have a new psychiatrist that I will be seeing.

here's our sticky thread about starting claims - you might find some good tips there-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread148967.html


Are you requesting copies of your medical records/reports to see what the drs are writing?
It's handy to have those in your own files, and if there are mistakes they can be corrected.

Also request copies of the doctor's NOTES. You may be surprised what's in them!

Valerie,

I filed mine on my own. It was not that bad, just a lot of forms. (You would be suprised) Good luck and make sure to put down everything that you can possibly think of. (i.e. depression, ability to do or not do, etc.)

In order to file a second claim, you must be insured through Social Security. Call the SSA and ask what your last date insured is. The last date insured is always the last date of the quarter in which the actual last date falls. If your onset is after the last date insured you do not qualify for SSDI. SSI does not have these requirements.

I filed my own application and was approved within three months. But, I submitted a hard copy application with all my medical records, letters from doctors, Adult Funtion Report (available on my website SSDI-Help.com).

Your medical history of treatment, medication and work history are very important. If you were ley-go because of your disorders, have your employer write a letter describing your behavior.

Have all letters sent to you, so you can submit them with your application.

Be very thorough in your answers even if you have to write an attachment to fully eplain which I highly recommend for anyone.
Respectfull;y,
Trudi

Yup. It could be very enlightening.

Val....as long as you are switching doctors, I'd wait and see what your new doc has to say about whether or not he believes that you are disabled. It's a waste a paperwork if the new doc doesn't back you up. The next doc could also have a different treatment plan in mind that could help you feel better and perhaps get you back in the workforce. I'd wait to see what the doc says about his findings and his goals for you.

Sometimes it takes time and a few different tries to get the RIGHT doctor who really listens and is dedicated to helping you. Good luck !

thanks Finz

After my lawyer dropped my case, I requested copies of what she had. I was shocked to see what one doctor wrote, it wasn't good at all. She claimed I would have no problem going back to work, yet she told me the complete opposite.

hi, Halo. so are you going to appeal or just file a new claim?